Face of the Day with NARS Outer Limits Eyeshadow

At the beginning of the month I mentioned that I was having a slight love affair with peachy toned makeup, so I thought I would slap it all on and do a Face of the Day!

Face

Illuminator

Dior Nude Glow Natural Glow Complexion Enhancer

I like to use this underneath my foundation to give my skin a radiance boost. I'm pretty sure this has  been discontinued by Dior, but either way there are a lot of similar glow boosting primers out there. 

Foundation

Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme

This and the Smashbox BB Cream are the only BB creams I can say I really like. The Dior one is a winner for me because it has an almost powdery finish. I find other BB creams are just too wet or greasy, but this actually dries down on the skin and has a satin finish. I would highly recommend trying this if you like your base on the lighter side.

Corrector

Giorgio Armani Skin Master Corrector (Shade 1)

Don't buy this, buy the Bobbi Brown corrector instead, so much better.

Concealer

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

A good, heavy duty concealer, works well when teamed with a lighter coverage base.

Bronzer

Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel

A rediscovery that I have really been enjoying. This cream bronzer does require a good bit of blending to avoid orange stripes, but if you have the patience it really is worth it. You can really fake a natural, tanned glow with this. 

Blusher

MAC Mineralize Blush in New Romance

This is a blusher and a highlight in one, yaaaas! I am having a bit of a love affair with MAC Mineralize blushers at the moment, although I really hate the new packaging (wah)

Powder

Too Faced Primed and Poreless Pressed Powder

I moan about this powder every time but I'm just not a fan. Its kinda ashy and can completely take the glow out of your makeup, even when applied sparingly.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in Grey and L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in Dark Brunette

The L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper is a staple for me but I can't say the same for the Bobbi Brown brow pencil. I mentioned before that I like it, but it only lasted me a month. You just can't part me from my Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil.

Eyeshadow 

Bourjois Colorband 2-in-1 Eyeshadow and Liner in Rose Fauviste and NARS Outer Limits Shimmer Eyeshadow

Now you know how much I love a good cream eyeshadow stick but sadly I don't think these Bourjois ones are anything to write home about. The colours don't wow me, the texture is OK but they are a bit sheer, in general I'm pretty 'meh' when it comes to these, but they do work as a base underneath a powder eyeshadow. 

This new NARS shadow from the Christopher Kane collection remains the most beautiful eyeshadow I have ever laid my eyes on. Its a glittery, peachy/rose gold colour and it gives serious sparkle.

Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This week I came this close to just throwing this Too Faced mascara in the bin, I just can't deal with the flaking. Honestly by mid afternoon I start to get little black specks of mascara underneath my eyes and by the end of the day its full on Uncle Fester mode. Now its dried out a bit I can say that I really like the volume and length it gives my lashes, but if it won't stay on my eyes, its useless! 

Its now been relegated to the Sunday mascara, because I hate Sundays.

Lips

Lip Liner

Jordana Easyliner for Lips in Tawny

I bought this lip liner in a Walgreens in Chicago for $1.99 (actually I bought two) and it is by far my favourite out of all the ones I own. Its really creamy, doesn't dry your lips out and the colour is the perfect nude. I'm going to Seattle in October and will be bulk buying more! 

Lipstick

MAC Kinda Sexy Lipstick

I had this lipstick many moons ago but somehow managed to lose it. I was in MAC recently and on a whim decided to buy it again. I'm so glad I did because I just love this matte peach shade. Its quite a muted shade but gives just the right amount of colour.

Pretty in Peach

There is a definite peachy theme going on in my makeup bag right now. I don't know if its the warmer weather or the fact I ended up in a YouTube black hole and found myself watching JLo music videos from 2000….'think I wanna drive your Benz I don't' ;)

I thought I would share some of my current favourite peach shades, just in case you are having a JLo moment too.

Blushers

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Milani is an American brand but you can buy it on Amazon if you live in the UK like me. You don't need much of this as its super shimmery but paired with a tan I love it. I am wearing it in this FOTD post if you want to see it 'in action'.

MAC Mineralize Blush in New Romance

This blush was the result of going into MAC on my lunch break #sorrynotsorry

These Mineralize blushes are so pretty because they act as a highlight and a blush in one. New Romance is a beautiful shimmery peach, pure Jlo right there! Its very similar to Luminoso but I actually prefer this as it has a little more pink it. 

MAC Powder Blush in Peaches

An oldie but a goodie, unlike New Romance, Peaches is completely matte. You can see it in my FOTD post here but this has long been one of my all time favourite blushers.

MAC Cremeblend Blush in Something Special

MAC cream blushes are perfect for people that don't really like cream blushes. They aren't really wet or sticky and dry down to an almost powder finish. If you want to try a cream blush but are a bit scared, I would recommend these. Something Special is such an easy shade to wear everyday, goes with anything. I have it on, in this post.

Left to right: Luminoso, New Romance, Peaches and Something Special

Left to right Stones 'n Roses and Not Just a Pretty Face

Nails

Essie Stones 'n Roses and Essie Not Just a Pretty Face

I've become a bit boring with my nail polish choices recently and have been just sticking to these two colours.

 Stones 'n Roses is a really pretty soft coral, it's a real 60s colour but I just love it.

Not Just a Pretty Face is my favourite 'nude' colour. Slightly peachy but just gives your nails a real healthy glow. I have already got through almost half the bottle!

Lips

Clinique Pop Lip Colour and Primer in Melon Pop

I love these new Pop lipsticks by Clinique. They are really creamy, richly pigmented and come in an amazing wearable selection of colours. Melon Pop is a peachy nude, which is really flattering. I think this will be my go to summer colour.

MAC Lipstick in Kinda Sexy

This was my other sneaky MAC purchase and its actually a repurchase. I am a matte lipstick fiend and Kinda Sexy is a matte peach toned nude. I have got a Face of the Day post coming with this, so you can see what it looks like on. 

BareMinerals Pop of Passion Lip Oil-Balm in Peach Passion

I am obsessed with this lip balm. It feels so nice on the lips, really nourishing and moisturising. This is a big statement but this may just be the best tinted lip balm I have tried! 

Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in Au Naturel

This is very similar to Kinda Sexy, just a bit darker. These are only available from Sephora but I'm planning on picking some more up when I go back to the States at the end of the year. I love matte lips and these are like the perfect matte nude wardrobe…I need every shade.

Left to right: Melon Pop, Kinda Sexy, Peach Passion and Au Naturel

Eyes

NARS Outer Limits Shimmer Eyeshadow

This eyeshadow is all my makeup dreams bought to life. It is genuinely the most beautiful eyeshadow I have ever seen. A peach with pink glitter, although I am slightly concerned that the glitter is an overspray (why do makeup companies do that!) This is part of NARS Christopher Kane collection, so grab it while you can!

Bourjois Colorband 2-in-1 Eyeshadow and Liner in Rose Fauviste

You know how much I love a cream shadow stick but I can't say I am a massive fan of these Bourjois ones. These are a little dry for me and I don't love how this colour looks on its own, but with the NARS eyeshadow layered over the top I love it! 

Outer Limits 

Rose Fauviste

Rose Fauviste with Outer Limits over the top

Face of the Day with Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 'Nude-ist'

With my tan fading rapidly, I have been trying to make the most of that post holiday glow. As much as I love applying my makeup, it is nice to wear less foundation and give your skin a bit of a break every now and then.

Having said that, I have another Face of the Day post for tomorrow which is very Autumnal! 

Face

Foundation

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation

I used to use a lot of No7 makeup when I was younger. I loved their mascaras and there was one particular lipstick that I was obsessed with. I very rarely visit the No7 counter these days, its probably because I'm a magpie and their branding just doesn't stand out to me. 

I have had this foundation for a while but because its quite a dark shade, I can only wear it when I have a tan. I took this foundation with me on holiday and have been wearing it ever since. This really gives my skin a lovely glow and the coverage is light enough that my freckles show through. 

No7 have such a huge foundation range now maybe I shouldn't be passing them by!

Available from Boots £12.50

Under Eye Concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter

Every beauty brand and their mother have their own version of the highlighter clicky pens, which all started with YSL's Touche Eclat. To be honest, in general they are all much of a muchness but this Estee Lauder one does provide some extra coverage as well as highlighting, which is always a winner.

Available from Boots £23.50

Bronzer

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Alluring Aquatic

Limited edition and no longer available I'm afraid, but as you can see I'm nearing the end now anyway. This bronzer isn't completely matte and it almost has a slight sheen to it, this translates well on the skin giving a very subtle glow. If MAC re-releases these bronzers I recommend trying them out.

Highlight

MAC Cream Colour Base in Improper Copper

This is one of those products that stays in my drawer all year round but I get it out every time I go on holiday. As the name suggests, this is a copper toned highlighter which looks amazing on darker skin tones. As you can tell when I have a tan I'm all about that Victoria's Secret esque glow.

Available from MAC £15.50

Eyes

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

I have gone back to my favourite combination, just because I hate doing my eyebrows and the Hourglass pencil makes the whole process a lot quicker!

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil Available from John Lewis £26.00

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel Available from Illamasqua £11.50

Eyeshadow Base

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

My favourite eye primer, allows my eyeshadow to last all day.

Available from John Lewis £19.50

Eyeshadow

MAC Tan Pigment

When it comes to loose pigments, I generally don't have much time for them because it can all get a bit messy. However there a few pigments by MAC which are worth the hassle because the colour payoff is so beautiful and impossible to achieve from a pressed eyeshadow. Tan is one of those colours and my favourite. If I did a MAC starter kit post, this would definitely be in there!

Available from MAC £17.00

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

Still loving this mascara combination, so annoying that you cant get the Tarte mascara in the UK but Benefit's They're Real gives a similar effect.

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Available from Sephora $23.00

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara Available from Boots £13.00

Lips

Lipstick

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 07 'Nude-ist'

My friend at work recommended this to me and it sounded right up my street,

Pinky/brown natural colour, check

Matte finish, check

This is like a liquid lipstick but its completely matte and extremely pigmented. The colour is perfect for me and I love how long lasting this is. It almost stains your lips and even as it fades it still looks good. They do these in brighter colours as well which I imagine are just as beautiful but I'm happy with my natural, everyday colour.

Available from Boots £8.99

Face of the Day with Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon in On the Beach

Its only recently that I've noticed how I change my makeup with the seasons. In the Autumn/Winter months I love a red lip, sheer red balm for day and a dark matte red in the evenings. I tend to wear heavier, more grungy eye makeup and in general I just slap a hell of a lot more stuff on my face.

In Spring/Summer the first thing I change is my foundation and I switch to something a lot lighter. My eye makeup also becomes lighter and I opt for more shimmery colours. My lip colour switches from reds to more girly pinks and nudes. Its just funny how you don't realise you are gradually making all these little changes.

Face

Foundation

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation in B30

I love this foundation and in some ways think I do prefer it to my beloved Vitalumiere Aqua. I like to wear this in the evenings, as although it feels really light on the skin, it actually has quite a good medium coverage. 

Concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter in 2W

I really am starting to get paranoid about my dark under eye circles! If you have any good under eye concealer recommendations let me know!

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC3

Industrial strength concealer for spots and redness.

Bronzer

Chanel Moisturising Bronzing Powder in 62 Terre Epice

I haven't been loving this lately, its just a bit too dark and a bit too orange toned for my pale skin right now. The bronzer from the MAC Alluring Aquatic collection on the other hand, beautiful and natural looking.

Highlighter

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Candlelight

Will I ever get bored of this? Nope!

Eyes

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

Another combination I will never tire of.

Eyeshadow

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in Pink Zinc

I'm unsure about these cream eyeshadows by Estee Lauder. I love the colour of Pink Zinc, but I'm not a fan of the mousse like consistency and find it takes a bit of work to get the colour even. I wouldn't buy any more of these, but its a pretty shade to slap on when you are in a hurry.

Eyeliner

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I went to town and did a teeny tiny winged eyeliner, go me! I do love this Stila eyeliner for its fine nib but I think it might be a little too fine, as the tip of mine is already breaking down and going all fuzzy :(

Mascara

MAC Opulash Mascara

Still loving this at the moment, mainly for its amazing lasting power and zero smudginess!

Lips

Lip Crayon

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon in On the Beach

I haven't worn this since last year and forgot what a pretty light pink/coral shade it was. These lip crayons by Bourjois feel really nice on the lips and leave a slightly glossy finish, without feeling sticky. They are currently on offer in Boots at the moment for £6.99 and I highly recommend checking these out instore.

Face of the Day with Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette

My love affair with the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette continues but as I keep using the same shades, I challenged myself to try something different.

Face

Foundation

For my foundation I made a little cocktail which consisted of 2 pumps of the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation and 1 squirt (technical term) of MAC's Strobe Cream. This is a winning combination, gives my skin a medium amount of coverage and the Strobe Cream is an excellent way of faking a radiant glow! I am loving this Bourjois foundation at the moment.

Concealer

The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla is a cheeky new purchase. I have read a lot of good things about this concealer and I'm pleased to say it lives up to the hype. It definitely lives up to its radiant claims and there is a noticeable brightness in my skin once I have applied this. I did also use this on my blemishes but I think its far better suited to under eye concealing. 

Bronzer and Powder

My pasty face is in desperate need of some added warmth so I used my current favourite bronzer the Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder in Makeup Artist all over my face. To control the shine I applied some of the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, I'm starting to think this is the never ending powder!

Eyes

Eyebrows

For my brows no surprise here, I used my favourite combination of the Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil by Hourglass in Soft Brunette and my Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel, to brush them through and keep everything looking natural.

Eyeshadow

You know I have been really loving my Naked 3 palette but as I keep using the same 2 shades, Dust and Liar, I told myself I had to try something new. I opted for Burnout all over my lid and Nooner in my crease. Of course I also did my favourite trick and blended Nooner underneath my lower lash line. 

I love how this combination turned out and can tell its going to be a new favourite. I haven't been disappointed by any of the shades in this palette yet, so lets hope that continues!

Mascara

For mascara I used my newest addition, the L'oreal Miss Manga mascara. I was initially a bit sceptical about this mascara but I actually really liked the effect it gave. I found it gave me a nice amount of volume and definition and is an all round good mascara. I wasn't blown away by it, but there is nothing I can say I disliked about it either.

Lips

Lastly for lips I used my current favourite combination of Burberry's English Rose and Jordana's Tawny lip liner. Another winning combination in my humble opinion!

Goodbye 2013

I wish I could say 2013 was the best year of my life so far....but it really wasn't. I'm really hoping 2014 will be the year (crosses fingers, toes and eyes). There was one good thing about 2013 though and that was my holiday. Chicago, Memphis, San Diego and LA, I will forever cherish those memories. 

I wonder if my feet will ever be that brown again?

As promised yesterday, here is my Face of the Day for New Years Eve. I was thinking about getting the glitter out but 2013 doesn't deserve glitter, so a dark eye it is.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

Eyeshadow Primer

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Eyeshadow

Smashbox Smokebox Palette

This was a Christmas present, so I was excited to play around with it today. I used the lightest colour, Alabaster all over my lid and the sparkly warm brown, Roast in my crease and underneath my lower lash line.

Eyeliner

MAC Eye Kohl in Prunella

I have rediscovered my love for Prunella, such a cool metallic plum colour. Looks way better than black eyeliner.

Brushes

MAC 217 Blending Brush and Smashbox Crease Brush

I thought I would show you the brushes I used, as the key to a smoky eye is blending and to blend well you need good brushes. Of course I used my trusty MAC 217 but this brush from Smashbox is so big and fluffy its amazing for blending any harsh edges.

Mascara

Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara

My beautiful friend Amelia recommended this to me, so I had to try it. This is my first time using it but I love how black it is. It says the formula is enriched with kohl, which I'm guessing is what makes it such a deep black.

Face

Primer

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

I only got this about 3 hours to go, I was so excited when I saw it in Boots I grabbed the last one. I'm going to do a post tomorrow on some other new goodies I found in Boots as well, so look out for that!

Foundation

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

As I have done my makeup about 5 hours before I'm actually going out (brilliant) I needed some heavy duty foundation to make sure it lasts! Studio Fix does smell like paint but boy does it last.

Concealer

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

Again, I have only had this for a matter of hours but I just have all this new makeup that I'm really excited to try! I was impressed by the coverage and although I was umming and ahhing over the shade selection, I definitely think I picked the best shade for my skin tone with 'Vanilla'.

Bronzer

Guerlain Terracotta Moisturising Bronzing Powder

Powder

Ben Nye Luxury Banana Powder

The last of the new products! The infamous yellow Kim Kardashian powder, I will experiment with this a bit more before letting you know my thoughts!

Lips

Lipliner

Jordana Tawny

My favourite lip liner and it only cost me $1.99 from Walgreens

Lipstick

Burberry Lip Cover in English Rose

That's how I roll, a $1.99 lipliner and a £22.50 lipstick. Makes you even cooler if you are using 2 different currencies!

I hope you all have a fun New Years Eve and a happy and healthy 2014!